Reg Morris1, Paula Morris. 1. Clinical Psychology, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. Reg.Morris@wales.nhs.uk
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim was to examine stroke patients', carers' and volunteer supporters' experiences of peer support groups during hospital rehabilitation. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were analysed by inductive thematic analysis. Participants also answered a standardised Therapeutic Factors Inventory (TFI). RESULTS: Five superordinate themes emerged for patients, carers and volunteer supporters. Three themes related to group processes; 'practical issues' (five subthemes), 'staff presence', 'similarity-difference', and comparison with other group members. 'Value of peers' (five subthemes) described beneficial outcomes. The 'similarity-difference' theme and four subthemes under 'value of peers' were related to items from the TFI which drew agreement from most participants. The supporters had some unique themes; two were concerned with group organisation, one was the experience of 'being helpful to others' and one described the experiences of training. As well as its links with themes, agreement with TFI items revealed experiences that did not emerge as themes; feeling secure, expressing emotions and increased independence. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in the group was experienced as beneficial by participants. Benefits included helpful information, advice, making new connections and increased awareness of stroke. Participants identified important group processes such as upward and downward comparison. Responses to the TFI suggested that attendance brought therapeutic gains.
PURPOSE: The aim was to examine strokepatients', carers' and volunteer supporters' experiences of peer support groups during hospital rehabilitation. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were analysed by inductive thematic analysis. Participants also answered a standardised Therapeutic Factors Inventory (TFI). RESULTS: Five superordinate themes emerged for patients, carers and volunteer supporters. Three themes related to group processes; 'practical issues' (five subthemes), 'staff presence', 'similarity-difference', and comparison with other group members. 'Value of peers' (five subthemes) described beneficial outcomes. The 'similarity-difference' theme and four subthemes under 'value of peers' were related to items from the TFI which drew agreement from most participants. The supporters had some unique themes; two were concerned with group organisation, one was the experience of 'being helpful to others' and one described the experiences of training. As well as its links with themes, agreement with TFI items revealed experiences that did not emerge as themes; feeling secure, expressing emotions and increased independence. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in the group was experienced as beneficial by participants. Benefits included helpful information, advice, making new connections and increased awareness of stroke. Participants identified important group processes such as upward and downward comparison. Responses to the TFI suggested that attendance brought therapeutic gains.
Authors: Monique R Pappadis; Shilpa Krishnan; Catherine C Hay; Beata Jones; Angelle M Sander; Susan C Weller; Timothy A Reistetter Journal: Aging Ment Health Date: 2018-10-27 Impact factor: 3.658
Authors: Nienke S Tielemans; Vera Pm Schepers; Johanna Ma Visser-Meily; Jolanda Cm van Haastregt; Wendy Jm van Veen; Haike E van Stralen; Caroline M van Heugten Journal: Clin Rehabil Date: 2015-12-11 Impact factor: 3.477